How to Brush a Dog With Coconut Oil

Medium
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

Introduction

Coconut oil is an all natural oil used for many ailments, internal and external. Brushing your dog with coconut oil can improve not only his coat, but also his skin. If your dog has dry and itchy skin, coconut oil can relieve this discomfort as well as improve the look and feel of a dry coat and scaly skin. Coconut oil is also antibacterial, which means your dog’s skin will be protected from bacteria growing as a result of scratching and drying. 

You can give your dog coconut oil internally for digestion and to help metabolism, and you can also use coconut oil to brush your dog’s teeth. But for gorgeous locks, try brushing your dog’s fur with coconut oil to add a sheen to his coat and build up strong elasticity in his skin. While you are brushing with coconut oil, add some to your dog’s dry paw pads. Don’t worry if your dog licks it off. Not only is it safe, it will work internally as well as externally. 

Dog's Perspective

If your dog has dry and itchy skin, he might not enjoy brushing. Using coconut oil and a gentle massage might ease some of this discomfort. Be careful not to scratch your dog with the brush, especially if his skin is overly dry. When in doubt, a treat always helps redirect a dog’s attention.

The Massage Brushing Method

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Pin Brush
Towel
Step
1
Coconut oil
Apply coconut oil to your hands and massage it into your dog's fur and onto his skin. Be sure to rub it into his skin where he has skin problems. Dry patches or areas your dog scratches most are areas needing more coconut oil.
Step
2
Let oil set
Give the coconut oil some time to work into your dog’s skin. Let the coconut oil stay on your dog’s skin and in his fur for about ten minutes. In this time the coconut oil will work to soften the skin and improve his discomfort.
Step
3
Brush through
Once the oil has had time to set and work, brush your dog thoroughly to spread the oil through the layers of fur and down into the skin.
Step
4
Dry areas
Once your pup is massaged, treated, and brushed, check on the areas that bother him most. These spots should be soft. Keep an eye on these spots and treat them as necessary or weekly. Otherwise, give your dog a coconut brushing every four weeks or so.
Step
5
Treat
Be sure to give your pup a nice treat after you are finished with his coconut oil grooming. He’ll be happy to have a reward.
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The Spot Brush Method

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Pin Brush
Towel
Step
1
Coconut oil
Put a small amount of coconut oil directly onto sensitive, dry areas on your dog’s skin. Use enough so the skin absorbs the coconut oil with some left over to brush through a rough, dry coat.
Step
2
Brush small areas
Use a pin brush to brush through the fur, spreading the coconut oil throughout the skin and coat in affected areas.
Step
3
Brush larger areas
Once you have brushed and treated the small areas, brush your dog’s entire coat, getting coconut oil into his fur and onto his skin to treat more than just the small problem areas.
Step
4
Wipe down
Once the coconut oil is on treated areas and excess has been brushed through our dog’s fur, you can wipe your dog down with a dry or damp cloth to clean up excess oil.
Step
5
Clean brush
Once you have finished the coconut oil spot treatment, use a clean brush or comb to brush through your entire dog. This will break up any oily fur and give your dog the finished, tidy touch.
Step
6
Treat
Give your pup a treat once coconut oil grooming is done. Be sure to check those spots over the next week and ensure they are healing and softening. Treat again in one week to continue treatment or once a month to maintain healthy skin.
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Caution & Considerations

  • Coconut oil is incredibly soothing and relieving for your dog's dry skin condition.
  • Consider adding coconut oil to your dog's bath regimen if he has incredibly dry skin.
  • To apply coconut oil during a bath, massage it into your dog's skin and coat and let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing it off with dog shampoo and water.
  • Consider using a rake brush or a pin brush to move the coconut oil through your dog's dry fur and down to his skin.
  • Coconut oil is antibacterial.
  • Lauric acid in coconut oil can also help build your dog's immunities. If your dog's dry skin conditions are the result of allergies or a weak immune system, coconut oil taken internally as well as brushed into your dog's fur and massaged into the skin can help alleviate skin problems over time.
  • Other properties of coconut oil include antimicrobial and antiprotozoal properties, which will help eliminate yeast and fungus on your dog's skin.
  • If time allows, keep coconut oil sitting on your dog's skin for as long as possible or for at least 10 minutes to absorb into your dog's skin and begin the healing process.
  • If your dog is dealing with a persistent skin condition, consider brushing coconut oil through his coat and on his skin once a week. However, if you're dealing with a bout of dry skin, try this once a month to maintain healthy skin and coat.

Conclusion

If your pup is rough and dry grab some coconut oil and a brush. Pamper your pooch with a coconut oil brushing to soothe irritated skin and heal dry, itchy spots in no time. Pampered pups are happy pups. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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